Simple breakfast included.
*Checked out. Next is our trip back to Vancouver. Temp was at 5℃. Cruised along Thompson River and Kamloops Semi Desert - 3rd top choice for retirement, there's less rain and more sunshine, dry and around 32 - 35℃ in the summer, with regional airport that makes domestic traveling a whole lot more convenient. Thompson River University - has a very high rate of scholars with mostly students from middle-class Asian families. In case you're interested, 4 subjects for 1 semester will cost around CAD$10000 for non-scholars/non-citizens, it is 4x compared to rates for local Canadians. 👀
http://www.tru.ca/
*Visited Majestic Ginseng Products Ltd. (Kamloops) - a farm-direct supplier of ginseng, whose mission is to develop, promote and distribute highest quality natural health products. I am not a fan, if you would like to learn more about the company, click below.
http://www.majesticginsengproducts.com/
*Lunch at Lotus Inn Restaurant - you've guessed it right! Chinese fusion buffet.
*After lunch, the drive from Kamloop to Richmond took us about 3 hours and 50 minutes. We stopped for dinner at Kirin Seafood Restaurant - this time, it was a bountiful Chinese meal with a bonus plate of crabs. Gastronomically satisfied!!!
*Checked-in at Hilton Westminster Richmond to retire for the night.
*Well, I lied, resting was not part of the itinerary. We traveled via Skytrain to Robson / Granville / Jervis Streets - these streets were packed with people, stores and restaurants. Its role as a consumer district continues to the present day, however, the original small neighbourhood-market stores were now replaced with massive redevelopment by brand-name chain stores and high-end restaurants.
*Tasted for the very first time, Tim Hortons!!!
April 12, 2017
Breakfast not included, Starbucks was one of the few options.
*Port of call today is Victoria, the capital of Vancouver, a classic / old fashioned province with visibly huge number of homeless people, many of them with drug addictions. I was astonished and as opposed to my notion, they have as much issues with drugs as we do here in our country. Sad but true... 💉💊
*At 7:30am, headed out to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal (Delta) via HW99 to catch our BC Ferry experience. The Quay Market at the station features a variety of food and retail carts / shops meant for passengers waiting to board.
*Few marks spotted along the way were the George Massey Tunnel which is the 2nd underwater tunnel in Canada (Fraser River), this same course directs to USA. 49th Parallel - US - Canadian border was established here in 1846. Victoria International Airport exclusive for US and Canada flights only.
http://www.bcferries.com/
*Lunch at Don Mee Seafood Szechuan
*Wandered the 1st Chinatown in Canada.
*Visited The Empress Hotel and the Parliaments Buildings.
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/the-empress-hotel-and-parliament-building-high-res-stock-photography/129267001
*Butchart Gardens 🌷🌸🌹🌺🌻🌼🌿🍀
http://www.butchartgardens.com/
*Dinner at Toku Japanese Restaurant 🍱🍶🍚🍣
*Another night spent at Hilton Westminster Richmond.
April 13, 2017
Breakfast not included. Starbucks + other knick knacks.
*At 8am, traveled 1.5 hours to Shannon Falls.
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/shannon/
*Another 10 mins. drive to Whistler Blackcomb, it was an icy -2℃. Renowned year-round resort for skiing and snowboarding. With over 8100 acres of snow-covered slopes, 16 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers, this place is a skier's dream destination and a reverie to tourists like us. ⛷⛰🚠
*Lunch at The Old Spaghetti Factory Whistler before going up the mountain.
http://www.oldspaghettifactory.ca/locations/whistler
https://www.whistler.com/skiing/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwi7vIBRDpo9W8y7Ct6ZcBEiQA1CwV2KcAkZlDr2rQkSr_udm31f6GJ3ZdNOfIRTWglNvG45IaArxq8P8HAQ
(OD):
*You may want to add "taster ski sessions" to your itinerary. There are gentle beginners slope in the area. I am regretful that we did not, it could have been an exciting experience.
*Dinner at Su Hang Restaurant, that day was hubby's birthday, there was no formal celebration. But I guess this trip is more than what he will ask for.🎉🎈🍰🎂
April 14, 2017
Bye bye to Vancouver for now, hello to Seattle!
*It took only 30 mins. to the border, unfortunately, our bus did not pass immigration standards which delayed our trip for a bit, we devoured Little Ceasar's tasty pizza at Blaine's Commercial Center while waiting for the bus to get fixed. We used to have this brand in Manila, but it didn't taste this good.
*Visited the ginormous Boeing Space and Flight Center - see airplanes in various stages of being outfitted and painted for customers around the world.
http://www.boeing.com/company/tours/
*A short stop at Costco.
*Checked-in at Hyatt House Bellevue.
https://bellevue.house.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
*Dinner at Sushi Maru. 🍜🍣🍤🍶🍱
http://www.sushimarubellevue.com/contact.html
(OD):
*Shout out to our friends in Seattle who took the time off to show us around. We are truly grateful!!! Thank you...
*Like in Canada, a 10 - 15% gratuity on top of the total bill is customary.
April 15, 2017
*Exited at 9am for our trip to Snoqualmie Falls.
http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/
*Space Needle - observation tower in Seattle, a landmark and an icon.
https://www.spaceneedle.com/home/
*Pike Market - where the first ever Starbucks is located.
http://pikeplacemarket.org/
*Kerry Park (on the South slope of Queen Anne Hill) - with nice Victorian houses owned mostly by Seattle's old rich.
*Electric Boat Company - 21 inches long electric boat rental that fits a maximum of 10 adults comfortably. 2 hours - US$218
https://theelectricboatco.com/
*Starbucks Reserve - experience the roastery and discover how Starbucks does it!🍮🍯🍪🍩🍵
http://roastery.starbucks.com/
*8OZ. Burger
https://www.8ozburgerandco.com/
April 16, 2017
2nd to the last day in USA!
*What better way to end our 2-week vacation than to spend our remaining time at Portland Oregon for outlet-shopping!?!
*But first, one more final stop at Multnomah Falls.
http://www.oregon.com/attractions/multnomah_falls
*Lunch at Popeys's Louisiana Kitchen.
*Then off we go to exhaust our husband's hard-earned money.
Woodburn Outlet, Portland Oregon.
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/woodburn
No pictures here... too busy shoppiiiiinnnnnggggggg!!!
*Dinner at Red Robin.
https://www.redrobin.com/locations/oregon/portland/lloyd-center.html
April 17, 2017
Last day!!!
*Target and Ross shopping in the morning.
*Lunch at Famous Dave's
http://www.famousdaves.com/togo/Cascade-Station
*Back to Vancouver (4 hours by bus), then flight back to Manila via PR127 (13 hours direct).
Tiring, yes... BUT... T'was a fun-filled, crazy trip with hubby, high school batch mates and their families. Who could ask for anything more?!!
Till next trip!!!
